Wilbur H. Ryland helped to save Harry N. Phillips, Jr., from drowning, Urbanna, Virginia, June 20, 1931. Phillips, 32, lawyer, dived from an anchored launch into the Rappahannock River at a point 1.5 miles from shore and drifted away from the boat in a current of 2.5 m.p.h. Ryland, 33, lawyer; Guy A. Dunlop, Jr., and another man were in the launch. Ryland, fully clothed, dived and swam 40 feet to Phillips and took hold of him. He was unable to make progress toward the launch and supported Phillips as they were carried 60 feet farther by the current. Dunlop then swam to them, and he and Ryland supported Phillips between them and tried to swim to the launch. They were carried farther away, and Ryland called to the other man, who could not operate the motor, to lift the anchor and allow the launch to drift. Ryland, who alone knew how to handle the motor, swam 82 feet to the launch, reaching it in a much fatigued condition. He steered the launch to Dunlop and Phillips, and they were taken aboard. Phillips was unconscious but was revived. 31282-2626
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